1973 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 39 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525.
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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525. 2012 BMW 530 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. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
