2003 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 BMW M5 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M5 weights approximately 136 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, 2009 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 14.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
