2001 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Zafira would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2001 Opel Zafira. (98 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2001 Opel Zafira. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Opel Zafira, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Opel Zafira. (220 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Opel Zafira. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Zafira has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Opel | BMW |
| Model | Zafira | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
