2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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 239 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 340 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2495 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 | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 8.1 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 | 1660 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 | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
