1988 BMW M5 vs. 2011 Scion tC
To start off, 2011 Scion tC is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2011 Scion tC. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2011 Scion tC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2011 Scion tC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Scion tC, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Scion tC. (234 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Scion tC. 2011 Scion tC has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Scion tC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2011 Scion tC | |
| Make | BMW | Scion |
| Model | M5 | tC |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1388 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
