1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Ford E-350
To start off, 2009 Ford E-350 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 635 kg more than 2009 Ford E-350.
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 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 5408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 12 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
