1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (243 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2009 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (327 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
