2008 BMW 530 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
