1981 BMW 525 vs. 1975 Renault 30
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Renault 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Renault 30 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Renault 30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1975 Renault 30. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1975 Renault 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Renault 30 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 1981 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Renault 30, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Renault 30. (203 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Renault 30. 1975 Renault 30 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Renault 30 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1975 Renault 30 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 30 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
