1996 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 142 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
