1995 BMW 525 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1995 BMW 525 is newer by 7 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 BMW 525 (285 Nm) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 1995 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 525 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:
| 1995 BMW 525 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 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 |
