1994 BMW M5 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 4 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 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 183 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.
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, 1994 BMW M5 (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
