2011 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 525 would be higher. Both 2011 BMW 525 and 2012 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 525 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2012 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 4.3 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
