2008 BMW 523 vs. 2005 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Spectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Spectra would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Kia Spectra. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Spectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 406 kg more than 2005 Kia Spectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Spectra, 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Spectra. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Spectra. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Spectra has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Spectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2005 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 523 | Spectra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1094 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
