1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Renault Espace
To start off, 1999 Renault Espace 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 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Espace (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1999 Renault Espace.
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 Renault Espace, 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 Renault Espace (189 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Renault Espace | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | Espace |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| 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 | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
