1988 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 19 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 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 45 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.
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, 2007 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
