1981 BMW 525 vs. 2002 Dodge Neon
To start off, 2002 Dodge Neon is newer by 21 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, 2002 Dodge Neon (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 74 kg more than 2002 Dodge Neon.
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, 2002 Dodge Neon, 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, 2002 Dodge Neon (304 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2002 Dodge Neon 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. 2002 Dodge Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2002 Dodge Neon | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 525 | Neon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 101.4 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 | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 47 L |
