1981 BMW 525 vs. 1984 Buick Electra
To start off, 1984 Buick Electra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,127 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1984 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Buick Electra weights approximately 410 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, 1984 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 1984 Buick Electra 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. 1984 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1984 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 525 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 100.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
