1996 BMW 745 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 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 745 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 745 (283 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 745 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2012 BMW 520. 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, 1996 BMW 745 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 745 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 745 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
