2009 BMW 740 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,901 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (254 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2001 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 740 (600 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 740 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3901 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
