1984 BMW 323 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1984 BMW 323. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
