1981 BMW 525 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (188 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter weights approximately 1290 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (440 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | Sprinter |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5906 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2024 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2814 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3665 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
