1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 345 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.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | X3 |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 406 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1915 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4648 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1881 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1675 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |