2003 BMW 545 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2011 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, 2003 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
