2005 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2005 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2005 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Forester | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Subaru | BMW |
| Model | Forester | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
