1973 BMW 3 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2693 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
