2003 BMW M3 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 115 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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
