1986 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 462 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2890 mm |
