1981 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 22 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 780 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano (305 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
