1973 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 514 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1973 BMW 525. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 657 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
