2009 BMW 125 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 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 | 8.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
