1988 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Subaru XT
To start off, 1989 Subaru XT is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Subaru XT (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Subaru XT should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 406 kg more than 1989 Subaru XT.
Because 1989 Subaru XT 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, 1989 Subaru XT 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, 1989 Subaru XT (196 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Subaru XT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1989 Subaru XT | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | XT |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
