2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Ford C-Max
To start off, 2012 Ford C-Max 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, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Ford C-Max. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford C-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford C-Max weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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, 2012 Ford C-Max, 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford C-Max. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford C-Max.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | C-Max |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2788 mm |
