1981 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1428 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender 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, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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, 2012 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 525 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 24.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
