2006 BMW 525 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 2006 BMW 525. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 520 kg more than 2006 BMW 525. 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525. 2006 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
