1976 BMW 3.3 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 33 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 19 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 81 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 BMW 3.3 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3.3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |
