2003 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Toyota Carina, 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
