2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 232 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
