2008 BMW 523 vs. 2001 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 2,657 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Hyundai Sonata (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2001 Hyundai Sonata (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2001 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | 523 | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2657 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
