2005 BMW 530 vs. 1988 BMW 525
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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 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 (227 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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, 2005 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
