1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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, 2011 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 120 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1411 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |