2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
