1988 BMW 520 vs. 1995 BMW S3
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 7 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 155 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 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 | 1995 BMW S3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | S3 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 338 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 260 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1725 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |