1996 Ford Galaxy vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Galaxy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Galaxy would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Galaxy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Ford Galaxy. (143 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Galaxy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Galaxy weights approximately 29 kg more than 2011 BMW 520.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Galaxy, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Galaxy. (203 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Galaxy. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Galaxy has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Galaxy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Galaxy | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Galaxy | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2968 mm |
