1988 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Ford E-250
To start off, 2008 Ford E-250 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 463 kg more than 2008 Ford E-250.
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 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2008 Ford E-250 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | E-250 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 14.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
