2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2012 BMW 535. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2008 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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
