1996 BMW 525 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 12 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 73 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
