1996 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 20 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.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
