1988 BMW 520 vs. 2001 GMC Safari
To start off, 2001 GMC Safari is newer by 13 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Safari weights approximately 385 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2001 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 520 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
