1988 BMW 524 vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 229 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio 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. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 524 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
