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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 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. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2010 BMW 120.
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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW 120 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 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
