1990 BMW 520 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 20 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 17 kg more than 2010 BMW 125.
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, 2010 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2010 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
