1981 BMW 525 vs. 1986 BMW 735
To start off, 1986 BMW 735 is newer by 5 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 735 (220 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 735 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 BMW 735 (315 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1986 BMW 735 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 735 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
