1988 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 4 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.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (434 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
