1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima 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.
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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
