2004 BMW 525 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (193 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1990 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
