2009 BMW 530 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 216 kg more than 2009 BMW 530.
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, 2009 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
