2003 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 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 168 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 275 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
