2006 Acura RL vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 3 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 122 kg more than 2006 Acura RL.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL 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, 2006 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
