1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 21 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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 320 (351 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
