2009 BMW M3 vs. 1973 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1973 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1973 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
