1981 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2008 Tesla Roadster 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. In terms of performance, 2008 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 Tesla Roadster.
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 Tesla Roadster (370 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm). This means 2008 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2008 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 525 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2352 mm |
