1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 3200 CS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3200 CS | 523 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
