1988 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2004 Toyota Previa 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Previa (157 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2004 Toyota Previa.
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, 2004 Toyota Previa, 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, 2004 Toyota Previa (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2004 Toyota Previa has manual transmission. 2004 Toyota Previa 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 | 2004 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Previa |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2900 mm |
