2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 BMW 525
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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | 525 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2443 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 154 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 226 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1460 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |