1981 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Ferrari F512 M
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F512 M 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 7,255 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F512 M (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F512 M should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F512 M weights approximately 235 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 Ferrari F512 M (719 Nm) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari F512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1996 Ferrari F512 M | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 525 | F512 M |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 7255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
