1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Mazda 6.
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 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
