2009 BMW 523 vs. 1989 Ford RS 200
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1989 Ford RS 200.
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, 1989 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1989 Ford RS 200 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | RS 200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1804 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
