2012 BMW 740 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, both 2012 BMW 740 and 2012 BMW M3 were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2012 BMW 740. (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2012 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 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 740 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5215 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1902 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1479 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3210 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 63 L |
