1988 Renault 19 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 19. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 19 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1988 Renault 19. (91 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 794 kg more than 1988 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19, 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 19. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 19. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1988 Renault 19 has manual transmission. 1988 Renault 19 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 19 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 19 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
