2009 BMW 525 vs. 2006 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 185 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2006 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 4.9 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 | 1385 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
