1972 BMW 3 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 231 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
