1996 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2004 Ford Mondeo is newer by 8 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mondeo. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 33 kg more than 2004 Ford Mondeo. 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, 2004 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Mondeo. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2004 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
