1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,000 cc, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (1,973 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1844 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 220 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 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 Volkswagen Sharan (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 1973 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
