2006 BMW 523 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3999 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
