2001 Acura RL vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (189 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 89 kg more than 2001 Acura RL.
Because 2004 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
