2008 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 4 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), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (200 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul. 2012 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 525 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 215 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
