1981 BMW 525 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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 35 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 2006 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
