1996 Kia Retona vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Kia Retona would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1996 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Kia Retona. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1996 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1996 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Retona | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Kia | BMW |
| Model | Retona | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2840 mm |
