1984 BMW M6 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1984 BMW M6.
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, 1984 BMW M6 (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW M6 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M6 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Top Speed | 254 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
