1996 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW M
To start off, 2007 BMW M is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M (330 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 2007 BMW M (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
