1996 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 16 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 525 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 279 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1695 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |