2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 4 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, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
