1988 BMW 525 vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 23 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 530 weights approximately 185 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
