1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 444 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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 Kia Rio, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 520 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
