1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Seat Alhambra
To start off, 1996 Seat Alhambra 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 15 more horse power than 1996 Seat Alhambra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Alhambra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Seat Alhambra weights approximately 205 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
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 Seat Alhambra, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Alhambra. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Alhambra. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Seat Alhambra has manual transmission. 1996 Seat Alhambra 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 Seat Alhambra | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 520 | Alhambra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
