1980 BMW 725 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,981 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 725.
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, 2005 BMW 530 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 725 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
