2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Kia Rio. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 434 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio 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. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 520 | Rio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
