1988 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 20 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 530 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 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
