2008 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Peugeot 406.
Because 2008 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1997 Peugeot 406 has manual transmission. 1997 Peugeot 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 523 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
