2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Skoda Fabia
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Skoda Fabia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Skoda Fabia 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 101 more horse power than 2003 Skoda Fabia. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Skoda Fabia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Skoda Fabia. 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, 2003 Skoda Fabia, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Skoda Fabia. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Skoda Fabia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2003 Skoda Fabia | |
| Make | BMW | Skoda |
| Model | 523 | Fabia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
