2009 BMW M3 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 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 239 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 312 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
