2009 BMW M3 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 225 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525. 2004 BMW 525 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. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| 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 | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
