1988 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,834 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass has manual transmission. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 520 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
