1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| 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 | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 101 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
