1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2009 Opel Insignia 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Insignia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Insignia (217 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Insignia should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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 Opel Insignia, 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 Opel Insignia (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Insignia 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 Opel Insignia has manual transmission. 2009 Opel Insignia 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 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2737 mm |
