1998 BMW 320 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 10 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1998 BMW 320.
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, 1998 BMW 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 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:
1998 BMW 320 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | 520 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 281 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1570 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |