1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 14 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6.
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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 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 | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
