2008 BMW 525 vs. 1996 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 BMW 525.
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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1996 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
