1994 BMW 518 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1994 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
