2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 740
To start off, 2011 BMW 740 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 99 more horse power than 2011 BMW 740. (315 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 740 weights approximately 690 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, 2011 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2011 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 82 L |
