2008 Acura RL vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 431 kg more than 2008 Acura RL.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura RL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
