2006 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 BMW 320. 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, 2006 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 530. (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
