1988 BMW 524 vs. 1986 Subaru XT
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Subaru XT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Subaru XT would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Subaru XT (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1986 Subaru XT.
Because 1986 Subaru XT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 524. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Subaru XT 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Subaru XT. (196 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Subaru XT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1986 Subaru XT | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 524 | XT |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
