2006 BMW 120 vs. 2003 BMW 520

To start off, 2006 BMW 120 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.

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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2006 BMW 120 2003 BMW 520
Make BMW BMW
Model 120 520
Year Released 2006 2003
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 2171 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 154 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6100 RPM
Torque 331 Nm 210 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 80 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 72 mm
Top Speed 220 km/hour 217 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 8.7 seconds 10.5 seconds
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1835 kg 1700 kg
Vehicle Length 4230 mm 4810 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2670 mm 2730 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.7 L/100km 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 70 L


 

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