1990 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2007 Ford S-Max is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2007 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford S-Max weights approximately 201 kg more than 1990 BMW 520.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Ford S-Max, 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, 2007 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2007 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2007 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2860 mm |
