2009 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. 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 164 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
