2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Kia Optima
To start off, 2010 Kia Optima 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Optima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2010 Kia Optima.
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, 2010 Kia Optima, 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, 2010 Kia Optima (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2010 Kia Optima | |
Make | BMW | Kia |
Model | 520 | Optima |
Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 229 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4801 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1481 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |