1988 BMW 524 vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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 M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
