1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Ferrari California
To start off, 2011 Ferrari California 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 4,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari California is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari California weights approximately 165 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 Ferrari California (483 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari California has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari California will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2011 Ferrari California | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | California |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
