1988 BMW 520 vs. 1992 Rover 400
To start off, 1992 Rover 400 is newer by 4 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, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1992 Rover 400. (86 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1992 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 394 kg more than 1992 Rover 400. 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, 1992 Rover 400, 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, 1992 Rover 400 (180 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1992 Rover 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 520 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
