1951 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Aston Martin DB3 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1951 Aston Martin DB3.
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, 1951 Aston Martin DB3 (243 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1951 Aston Martin DB3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Aston Martin DB3 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
