1983 BMW 525 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 30 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 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 315 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series 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 BMW 5 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2691 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
