2008 BMW 320 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
