1988 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis

To start off, 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1997 Toyota Avensis. 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 Toyota Avensis, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Avensis. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Avensis has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 1997 Toyota Avensis
Make BMW Toyota
Model 520 Avensis
Year Released 1988 1997
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1989 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 129 HP 126 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 172 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 80 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 66 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 9.5:1
Top Speed 202 km/hour 205 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 12.5 seconds 9.3 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1570 kg 1225 kg
Vehicle Length 4780 mm 4500 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2640 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 60 L