2003 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 231 kg more than 2009 Nissan Xterra.
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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2009 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
