2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (250 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera 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, 2012 Porsche Panamera (550 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 Porsche Panamera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Panamera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4968 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1931 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.5 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
