2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 9 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 105 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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 335 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 335 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 335 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
