1981 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Ford E-150
To start off, 2008 Ford E-150 is newer by 27 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 203 kg more than 2008 Ford E-150.
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, 2008 Ford E-150 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2008 Ford E-150 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford E-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2008 Ford E-150 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | E-150 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 6030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 132 L |
