2009 BMW M3 vs. 1992 BMW 538
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1992 BMW 538. (341 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 538. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 538. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 538.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1992 BMW 538 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 538 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 341 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
