1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 506 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
