2001 BMW 325 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2001 BMW 325.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 325. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 325 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
