1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 1996 Ford Mondeo is newer by 8 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 16 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 248 kg more than 1996 Ford Mondeo. 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, 1996 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mondeo. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mondeo 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 | 1996 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1322 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
