1988 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2011 Toyota Prius.
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, 2011 Toyota Prius, 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
