1981 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2005 Toyota Camry 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 3,310 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Camry (225 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Camry weights approximately 360 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 Toyota Camry, 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 Toyota Camry (325 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2005 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 525 | Camry |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3310 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
