2008 BMW 523 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 5 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 245 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 7.2 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 | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
