1981 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2148 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 8.5 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 | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
