1996 Ford Probe 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 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe.
Because 2012 BMW 530 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 2012 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Probe 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 Ford Probe | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Probe | 530 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
