1988 BMW 524 vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 21 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 175 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, 2009 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
