2009 Honda Pilot 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 Pilot. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda Pilot would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Pilot weights approximately 165 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Pilot, 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, 2009 Honda Pilot (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Pilot | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Honda | BMW |
| Model | Pilot | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
