1988 BMW 530 vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (315 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 718 kg more than 1988 BMW 530. 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, 2012 GMC Sierra (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 530. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 530. 2012 GMC Sierra has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 530 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3645 mm |
