1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 25 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
