1983 BMW 525 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
