1988 BMW 524 vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 24 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 380 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | 328 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
