2001 BMW 520 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. Both 2001 BMW 520 and 2004 BMW 320 are equipped with a 2,171 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2004 BMW 320.
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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
