1996 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 15 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 87 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, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
