1988 BMW 524 vs. 1996 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1996 Opel Vectra 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 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Vectra (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1996 Opel Vectra.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Vectra, 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, 1996 Opel Vectra (230 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1996 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 524 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
