1999 BMW 323 vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. 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, 2006 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 2006 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
