1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 19 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), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 290 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
