2007 BMW 323 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2007 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 BMW 323. (176 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 323.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 323. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
