1954 Oldsmobile 88 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1954 Oldsmobile 88. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1954 Oldsmobile 88. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
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, 1954 Oldsmobile 88 (407 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1954 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1954 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Oldsmobile 88 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | BMW |
| Model | 88 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5320 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2890 mm |
