2009 Acura TL vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Acura TL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2009 Acura TL.
Because 2009 Acura TL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura TL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2009 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura TL | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
