1996 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
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 Porsche 944 (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
