2011 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (230 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Impala. (318 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Impala | 520 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1852 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1491 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2807 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
