1996 BMW M3 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 13 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 153 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 132 kg more than 2009 BMW 523. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
