2009 BMW 523 vs. 1997 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 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 275 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1997 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
