2009 BMW M3 vs. 2005 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 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 246 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 35 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520. 2005 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. 2005 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2005 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
