2004 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2012 BMW 320.
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 525 (390 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.6 L/100km | 3.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
