1988 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 9 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
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, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 520 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
