1988 BMW 524 vs. 1996 BMW 528
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1996 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
