2003 BMW M3 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. 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 95 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 100 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
