1993 BMW M3 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1993 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW M3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1977 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1993 BMW M3 (321 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW M3 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
