1996 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 15 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 111 more horse power than 2011 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 525 weights approximately 88 kg more than 1996 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 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 | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
