2004 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 BMW 116. (136 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2012 BMW 116. 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 BMW 116 (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 116 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
