1988 BMW 520 vs. 1990 Chevrolet Astro
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 2 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Astro (183 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 325 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 1990 Chevrolet Astro 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, 1990 Chevrolet Astro 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, 1990 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1990 Chevrolet Astro has manual transmission. 1990 Chevrolet Astro 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 | 1990 Chevrolet Astro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Astro |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
