1988 BMW 524 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 16 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 524 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
