1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 170 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 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
