2003 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2005 Subaru Outback 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Outback (250 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 23 kg more than 2005 Subaru Outback.
Because 2005 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Outback (297 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2005 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Outback |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1647 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
