1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 24 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 381 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DBS weights approximately 240 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, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DBS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | BMW | Aston Martin |
| Model | 520 | DBS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4719 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
