1981 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Honda Z
To start off, 2004 Honda Z 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 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 97 more horse power than 2004 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Z will offer significantly more control. 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 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Z. (62 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Z. 2004 Honda Z 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. 2004 Honda Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2004 Honda Z | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 525 | Z |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 35 L |
