1988 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 23 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2011 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 525.
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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2011 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. 2011 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M3 | 525 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |