2004 BMW 320 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. 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, 2004 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
