1988 BMW 520 vs. 2000 Mazda Protege
To start off, 2000 Mazda Protege is newer by 12 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 Mazda Protege. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda Protege. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda Protege weights approximately 215 kg more than 1988 BMW 520.
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, 2000 Mazda Protege, 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) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda Protege. (164 Nm). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda Protege.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2000 Mazda Protege | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | Protege |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
