2009 BMW 525 vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 BMW 525. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5495 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
