2004 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 5 kg more than 2012 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
