2008 Acura TL vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 20 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 186 kg more than 2008 Acura TL.
Because 1988 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Acura TL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2008 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
