1981 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 31 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, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 525 | 320 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 84 mm |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1495 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4624 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 3.5 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |