2007 BMW 523 vs. 1987 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 320 (189 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1987 BMW 320.
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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320. 2007 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1987 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
