2003 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 242 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (228 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2009 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | 520 | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
