2003 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
