1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2006 Subaru Outback is newer by 18 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Outback (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 64 kg more than 2006 Subaru Outback.
Because 2006 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Subaru Outback (229 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2006 Subaru Outback has manual transmission. 2006 Subaru Outback 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 | 2006 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Outback |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
