1990 BMW 525 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 57 kg more than 1990 BMW 525.
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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
