1990 BMW M3 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 238 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 530 kg more than 1990 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
