2008 BMW 323 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc, 2008 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 2008 BMW 323. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 323. (230 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 323. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 323 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
