1981 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Subaru BRZ
To start off, 2013 Subaru BRZ is newer by 32 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, 2013 Subaru BRZ (197 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru BRZ should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 21 kg more than 2013 Subaru BRZ.
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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Subaru BRZ. (205 Nm @ 6600 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Subaru BRZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2013 Subaru BRZ | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 525 | BRZ |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1259 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4235 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
