1988 BMW 520 vs. 2004 BMW 325
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 16 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 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 25 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.
Let's talk about torque, 2004 BMW 325 (237 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2004 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2004 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
