2006 Ford Five Hundred 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 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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 68 more horse power than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1146 kg more than 2012 BMW 530.
Because 2012 BMW 530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Five Hundred | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
