1988 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2003 Nissan Xterra is newer by 15 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 10 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 2003 Nissan Xterra 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, 2003 Nissan Xterra 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, 2003 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 | 2003 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
