1981 BMW 525 vs. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 29 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, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (156 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 140 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.
Because 1981 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 525 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 49 L |
