2003 BMW 520 vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1992 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
