1996 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Kia Forte
To start off, 2011 Kia Forte is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 258 kg more than 2011 Kia Forte.
Because 1996 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Forte, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2011 Kia Forte | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 520 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
