1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Subaru Outback
To start off, 1996 Subaru Outback 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Subaru Outback (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1996 Subaru Outback.
Because 1996 Subaru Outback 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, 1996 Subaru Outback 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, 1996 Subaru Outback (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1996 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Outback |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
