1996 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 523 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2210 mm |
