1985 BMW 325 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1985 BMW 325. (120 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 602 kg more than 1985 BMW 325. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 325. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 325 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1162 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
