1996 BMW 528 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2009 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 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
