2001 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW M
To start off, 2007 BMW M is newer by 6 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. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M (330 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520.
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, 2007 BMW M (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
