2009 BMW 530 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2009 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1996 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, 2009 BMW 530 (480 Nm) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
