2006 BMW X5 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW X5 would be higher. At 2,981 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X5 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X5 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW X5. (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X5 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X5 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 70 L |
