1988 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 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 50 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (79 HP @ 5350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 580 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 | 2001 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 520 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
