1981 BMW 525 vs. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina
To start off, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 13 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1994 Chevrolet Lumina. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1994 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1994 Chevrolet Lumina (238 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1994 Chevrolet Lumina | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 525 | Lumina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2740 mm |
