1981 BMW 525 vs. 1969 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 435 kg more than 1981 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, 1969 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1969 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 525 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3100 mm |
