1990 BMW 525 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 23 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
