1990 BMW 520 vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 242 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
