2007 BMW 523 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2007 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| 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 Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
