1988 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW X5
To start off, 2007 BMW X5 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW X5 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW X5 weights approximately 602 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 2007 BMW X5 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, 2007 BMW X5 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, 2007 BMW X5 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW X5 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 X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2172 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 93 L |
