2008 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, both 2008 BMW M3 and 2008 BMW 525 were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
