1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2013 Subaru Outback 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 3,600 cc (16 cylinders), 2013 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru Outback (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Subaru Outback weights approximately 88 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2013 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Outback |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1658 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
