1988 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 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 3,588 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 33 kg more than 2004 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (563 Nm) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
