1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Lexus ES
To start off, 2009 Lexus ES is newer by 21 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 3,441 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus ES is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus ES (272 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus ES should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 Lexus ES.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Lexus ES, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Lexus ES (345 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus ES will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Lexus ES | |
| Make | BMW | Lexus |
| Model | 520 | ES |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
