1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
To start off, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (239 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 496 kg more than 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota FJ Cruiser (377 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | FJ Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 239 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
