2005 BMW 530 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 74 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 530 (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
