1981 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 53 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.
Because 1981 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 525 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
