2003 BMW 520 vs. 2006 BMW 545
To start off, 2006 BMW 545 is newer by 3 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 545 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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, 2006 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2006 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 545 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
