2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | M3 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 328 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1572 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |