2001 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 7 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
