1988 BMW 520 vs. 1981 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Jimmy (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 260 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 GMC Jimmy (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1981 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 520 | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
