2008 BMW 523 vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 320 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 14 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 5 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, 2005 BMW 320 (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
