1997 BMW 316 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 BMW 316. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
