1988 BMW 520 vs. 2002 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2002 TVR Chimaera.
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, 2002 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 520 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
