1985 BMW 325 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 325 would be higher. At 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1985 BMW 325. (120 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 213 kg more than 1985 BMW 325. 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, 2001 BMW M (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 325 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | M |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1162 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 11.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
