1987 Renault Espace vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault Espace would be higher. Both 1987 Renault Espace and 2012 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1987 Renault Espace. (107 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1987 Renault Espace. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Renault Espace, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault Espace. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault Espace. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1987 Renault Espace has manual transmission. 1987 Renault Espace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Renault Espace | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Espace | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
