1993 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1993 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 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 152 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1993 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, 1993 BMW M3 (321 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1993 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M3 | 520 |
Year Released | 1993 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 281 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 321 Nm | 174 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 | 202 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1570 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |