2007 BMW 530 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 BMW 530 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2007 BMW 530.
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, 2007 BMW 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 530 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
