2009 BMW 523 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
