2003 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 15 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. 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 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 520 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2670 mm |
