2003 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 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 19 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 520 | Viano |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 13 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
