1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1082 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 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2652 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
