2008 BMW 523 vs. 2002 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2002 BMW 320. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 320 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 | 2002 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
