2003 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (123 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Vibe. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2003 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2003 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Vibe | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Vibe | 523 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
