2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2008 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| 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 | 78.8 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
