1996 BMW 525 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
