2008 BMW 523 vs. 1989 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1989 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1989 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1989 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2540 mm |
