1988 BMW 525 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (269 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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, 2005 BMW 530 (571 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 571 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
