2009 BMW 330 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 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 330 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 330 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 330 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 248 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
