1988 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 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, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 520 | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
