2007 BMW 523 vs. 1986 BMW M3
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1986 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
