2001 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 11 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2001 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 328 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
