1966 BMW 1600 vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1966 BMW 1600 has manual transmission. 1966 BMW 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
