2004 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1988 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, 2004 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
