2003 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 60 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 3 Series |
Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
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 | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.2 :1 |
Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1620 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1375 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |