2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 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 247 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 380 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
