1988 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 911 (456 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 327 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 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 55 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche 911 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 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 456 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 89 L |
