2005 BMW 530 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 17 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 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, 2005 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.9 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.4 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.3 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
