1981 BMW 525 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 4 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva 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, 1985 Lada Niva 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 525 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
