2002 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Impala (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Impala | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 70 L |
