1988 BMW 524 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 20 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, 2008 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 40 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
