2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 230 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
