2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1997 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 | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.5 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
