1988 BMW 525 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 22 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 65 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
