2008 BMW 523 vs. 2002 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Peugeot 406 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 23 more horse power than 2002 Peugeot 406. (152 HP @ 5650 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2002 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2002 Peugeot 406. 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, 2002 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Peugeot 406. (210 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Peugeot 406. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2002 Peugeot 406 has manual transmission. 2002 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 | 2002 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 523 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
