1988 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 175 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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 Silhouette (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 Silhouette | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 520 | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
