2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1570 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |