1996 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
Because 1996 BMW 523 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Saab 9000 (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 523 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
