2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 BMW 520

To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.

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 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW 523 2003 BMW 520
Make BMW BMW
Model 523 520
Year Released 2008 2003
Body Type Sedan Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2497 cc 2170 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 175 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 6100 RPM
Torque 230 Nm 210 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 78.8 mm 80 mm
Engine Stroke Size 82 mm 72 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.7:1
Top Speed 230 km/hour 223 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 9 seconds 9.5 seconds
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1490 kg 1670 kg
Vehicle Length 4850 mm 4810 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1470 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2890 mm 2890 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.1 L/100km 9.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 70 L