2008 BMW 523 vs. 2010 Kia Soul
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 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 11 more horse power than 2010 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 262 kg more than 2010 Kia Soul. 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, 2010 Kia Soul, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Soul. 2010 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2010 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 523 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1228 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
