2006 BMW 523 vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 524 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2493 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
