2005 BMW 530 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 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 (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 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 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
