2003 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2008 Renault Grand Espace 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Renault Grand Espace. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Renault Grand Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 160 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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, 2008 Renault Grand Espace, 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, 2008 Renault Grand Espace (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2008 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 13.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
