1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Subaru BRZ
To start off, 2013 Subaru BRZ 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Subaru BRZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru BRZ (197 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru BRZ should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 311 kg more than 2013 Subaru BRZ.
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 Subaru BRZ (205 Nm @ 6600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru BRZ 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 Subaru BRZ has manual transmission. 2013 Subaru BRZ 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 Subaru BRZ | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | BRZ |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1259 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4235 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
