1988 BMW M3 vs. 1991 BMW 525
To start off, 1991 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1991 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 360 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, 1991 BMW 525 (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1991 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1560 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 | 80 L |
