1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 17 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2005 BMW 525.
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, 2005 BMW 525 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
