2009 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Kia Opirus
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Opirus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Opirus would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Kia Opirus. (196 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Opirus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Opirus weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Opirus, 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, 2003 Kia Opirus (295 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2003 Kia Opirus | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 525 | Opirus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 295 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
