2001 BMW 320 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 14.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
