2009 BMW M6 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M6 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 352 kg more than 2009 BMW M6.
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 M6 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M6 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M6 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 519 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
