2009 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
