1981 BMW 525 vs. 2006 BMW 650
To start off, 2006 BMW 650 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 650 weights approximately 450 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, 2006 BMW 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 650 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 650 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
