1998 BMW 320 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 9 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 89 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 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
