A new engine shouldn't consume really any oil unless it has a turbo, or you drive it like a lunatic. A half quart between changes on a turbocharged car is somewhat normal if you like to hose the gas. Non-turbo engines shouldn't burn more than about the same amount of oil at worst. (half quart over 5,000 miles isn't a whole lot) Old cars may or may not consume oil, it depends on how well it was maintained. My '99 Ranger has 268k on it and uses about a half quart between oil changes. 

It's not normal but some engines have design defects and/or poor quality parts that cause oil consumption.

Brand new engines built with moly rings will consume oil until the rings seat in.  Cast iron rings seat in much faster.  After a break in period, it shouldn't use hardly any oil at all.