1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 51 kg more than 1976 BMW 3.3.
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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 1976 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3.3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |
