1988 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 Porsche 911.
Because 2008 Porsche 911 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, 2008 Porsche 911 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, 2008 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2008 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 280 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
