1988 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saturn L (180 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 Saturn L.
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, 2003 Saturn L, 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, 2003 Saturn L (257 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 520 | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
