1981 BMW 525 vs. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1981 BMW 525 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 950 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 Chevrolet Suburban (286 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1979 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1979 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 525 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3300 mm |
