2009 BMW 520 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1880 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 Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
