1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 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 55 more horse power than 1996 Toyota MR2. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (131 Nm). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
