2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 BMW 320
To start off, 2010 BMW 320 is newer by 7 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520.
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, 2010 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2010 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
