2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Saturn SC
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Saturn SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Saturn SC would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2001 Saturn SC. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2001 Saturn SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Saturn SC, 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Saturn SC. (155 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Saturn SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Saturn SC | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 520 | SC |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
