1988 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 22 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima.
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, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
