1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 323 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan.
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 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
