2003 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 535
To start off, 2009 BMW 535 is newer by 6 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520.
Because 2009 BMW 535 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, 2009 BMW 535 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, 2009 BMW 535 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 535 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 | 2009 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
