What are the differences between BMW 520 and 525?
4 Answers
BMW 520 and 525 are mid-to-large-sized cars under the BMW brand, with identical body dimensions of 5055mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1491mm in height. The differences between BMW 520 and 525 are as follows: 1. Different engines. The BMW 520 is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic manual transmission, delivering a maximum power of 177ps and a peak torque of 230nm. The BMW 525 features a 6-cylinder camshaft engine and a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, with a maximum power of 160ps and a peak torque of 250nm. 2. Different number of cylinders. The BMW 520 has 4 cylinders, while the BMW 525 has 6 cylinders.
I've always driven BMW 5 Series cars, and the main difference between the 520 and 525 lies in the engine power. The 520 typically comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing around 184 horsepower, offering smooth acceleration and being perfectly adequate for city commuting, with lower fuel consumption, making it economical and practical. The 525 upgrades to the same displacement but with optimized output of 245 horsepower, delivering noticeably faster acceleration, shaving off a second or two in the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, and providing more confidence when overtaking on highways or mountain roads. Other differences may include slightly varying configurations, but the basic space and comfort remain the same. The 520 is suitable for those on a budget, while the 525 offers more driving pleasure for a bit extra cost. The daily driving experience is similar, but the 525 delivers more excitement during spirited driving.
From a cost perspective, the BMW 520 is tens of thousands cheaper than the 525, making it more affordable as an entry-level model. The 525 offers stronger power but comes with slightly higher fuel consumption, increased maintenance costs, and potentially more expensive insurance. The 520 is fuel-efficient enough for daily city commutes and handles highways without issues. The extra horsepower in the 525 makes it more effortless when fully loaded, but the 520 offers better value for money, especially in the used car market where the difference in resale value is minimal. If you're not chasing a sporty driving experience, the 520 is a practical and economical choice, allowing you to save money for additional accessories.
In daily use, the 520 and 525 drive with similar stability, both offering spacious and comfortable interiors. The 520 has slightly less power but starts up quickly and saves money with lower fuel consumption. The 525 accelerates more aggressively, handles highways effortlessly, and provides more fun on mountain roads. Maintenance-wise, the 520's parts are more straightforward, while the 525 may require a bit more attention. When choosing, the 520 offers better value for city driving, whereas the 525 excels on long trips. Don't be intimidated by the power figures—the actual difference is minimal.