2009 BMW 525 vs. 1988 TVR S2
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 TVR S2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 TVR S2 would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 TVR S2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 TVR S2. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 TVR S2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1988 TVR S2. 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 525 (251 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 TVR S2. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 TVR S2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1988 TVR S2 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 525 | S2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2290 mm |
