1981 BMW 525 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
