2009 Honda Odyssey vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Honda Odyssey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Odyssey would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Odyssey, 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Odyssey. (325 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Odyssey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Odyssey | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Odyssey | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
