1981 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2004 Buick LeSabre is newer by 23 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 337 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.
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, 2004 Buick LeSabre, 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, 2004 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2004 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 525 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
