1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Renault Espace
To start off, 2002 Renault Espace 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 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Renault Espace (177 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Renault Espace weights approximately 275 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.
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 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, 2002 Renault Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 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 | 2002 Renault Espace | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | Espace |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
