2007 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 100 kg more than 2007 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL, 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, 1996 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 523 | RL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
