2008 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Transit Connect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Transit Connect 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 86 more horse power than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. 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, 2004 Ford Transit Connect, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. (220 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2004 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
