2008 BMW 325 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 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
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 @ 2750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 325 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 325 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
