1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic (134 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
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 Sonic, 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has manual transmission. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic 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 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1262 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4039 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2525 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 46 L |
