1974 BMW 3 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 317 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2840 mm |
