1996 BMW 525 vs. 2002 BMW 320
To start off, 2002 BMW 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2002 BMW 320. 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2002 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
