1996 BMW 545 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 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 BMW 545.
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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 545 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 545 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 545 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 545 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |