1996 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville (275 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 174 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2003 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1719 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
