1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Kia Clarus
To start off, 1999 Kia Clarus is newer by 11 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), 1999 Kia Clarus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Clarus (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Clarus should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1999 Kia Clarus.
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, 1999 Kia Clarus, 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, 1999 Kia Clarus (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Clarus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Kia Clarus | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 520 | Clarus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
