2009 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Honda Legend
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 1988 Honda Legend (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Legend has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Legend will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1988 Honda Legend | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 523 | Legend |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
