1981 BMW 525 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 30 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 700 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2011 BMW 550 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. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 525 | 550 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |