1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW X1
To start off, 2013 BMW X1 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 BMW X1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW X1 (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW X1 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X1 weights approximately 120 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 2013 BMW X1 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X1 will offer significantly more control. 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 X1 (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X1 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 X1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | X1 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10:01:00 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4484 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2044 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1545 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
