2003 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang. 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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1997 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
