2008 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 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, 2008 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2497 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
