1988 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2006 Ford S-Max is newer by 18 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Ford S-Max. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford S-Max weights approximately 138 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford S-Max, 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, 2006 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2006 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2006 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
