2006 BMW M3 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2013 BMW 5 Series. (296 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 5 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
