1988 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, both 1988 BMW M3 and 1988 BMW 525 were released in the same year (1988). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
