1988 BMW 524 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 19 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, 2007 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2007 BMW 120.
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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 2007 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
