1981 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 228 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
