1996 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 224 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
