1996 Land Rover Discovery vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Land Rover Discovery. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Land Rover Discovery would be higher. At 3,944 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Land Rover Discovery (181 HP) has 6 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 810 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Land Rover Discovery will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Discovery (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1996 Land Rover Discovery has manual transmission. 1996 Land Rover Discovery will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Land Rover Discovery | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Land Rover | BMW |
| Model | Discovery | 523 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3944 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1920 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
