1998 BMW 320 vs. 2000 BMW 520
To start off, 2000 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2000 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
