1981 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 66 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
