2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Altima is newer by 2 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 2,490 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 309 kg more than 2005 Nissan Altima.
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, 2005 Nissan Altima, 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, 2005 Nissan Altima (244 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2005 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
