2006 BMW 525 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 2006 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.9 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
