1977 BMW 520 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
