2003 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Ford E-350
To start off, 2012 Ford E-350 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1258 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. 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 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530. 2012 Ford E-350 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2012 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 530 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.1 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
