1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 267 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
