1981 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2011 Fiat Panda 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2011 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2011 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 525 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 20 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 30 L |
