1996 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 280 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 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2012 BMW 530 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 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
