2001 BMW 316 vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2001 BMW 316. 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, 2004 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 316 | 2004 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1310 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
