2003 BMW 520 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, both 2003 BMW 520 and 2003 BMW M3 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 228 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | M3 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 240 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1442 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |