2009 BMW 523 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 52 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 523 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 523 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |