1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 766 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Fiesta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Fiesta | 525 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 70 L |
