1998 BMW M vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523.
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, 1998 BMW M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 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 | 340 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
