1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2012 BMW 520. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2968 mm |
