1981 BMW 525 vs. 1992 BMW 332
To start off, 1992 BMW 332 is newer by 11 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 3,152 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 332 (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 332 weights approximately 120 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, 1992 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1992 BMW 332 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 332 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3152 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
