1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2009 Mazda BT-50 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 2,606 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 Mazda BT-50. (123 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda BT-50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 Mazda BT-50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda BT-50 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, 2009 Mazda BT-50 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, 2009 Mazda BT-50 (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda BT-50 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda BT-50 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 | 2009 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
