2008 BMW 523 vs. 1980 BMW 628
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,787 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1980 BMW 628.
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, 1980 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 628 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 628 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1980 BMW 628 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 628 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2787 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
