1981 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 535 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 525 | CLS |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2985 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 510 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |