1981 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 201 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 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (225 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 525 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1481 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
