1988 BMW 525 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 25 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 200 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
