2006 BMW 525 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 3 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 188 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.1 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
