2005 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. 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, 2005 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
