1996 BMW 525 vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 11 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 20 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 16 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
