1981 BMW 525 vs. 1996 Ford Ranger
To start off, 1996 Ford Ranger 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 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ranger weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ranger. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1996 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
