2003 Renault Clio 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 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Clio would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Renault Clio. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 760 kg more than 2003 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Renault Clio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Clio. (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Clio | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Clio | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
