1990 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 22 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1990 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2012 Mazda CX-7 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. 2012 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2751 mm |
