1981 BMW 628 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 BMW 628.
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 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 628 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 628 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
