1981 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 28 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, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 115 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
