1981 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Honda Shuttle
To start off, 1988 Honda Shuttle is newer by 7 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 34 more horse power than 1988 Honda Shuttle. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 Honda Shuttle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Honda Shuttle 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, 1988 Honda Shuttle 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Shuttle. (148 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1988 Honda Shuttle | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 525 | Shuttle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
