1981 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Microbus 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Microbus (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 445 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus. (200 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Microbus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2005 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1725 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
