1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 60 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.
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 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
