1981 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 285 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, 2005 Mercury Sable, 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, 2005 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2005 Mercury Sable 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. 2005 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2005 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 525 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
