1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 BMW 730
To start off, 2011 BMW 730 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 730 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 730 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 730 (540 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 730 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 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
