1990 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 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, 2009 BMW M3 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
