1981 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 15 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 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 275 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1996 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 525 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 98.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
