1986 BMW M5 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 221 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 70 L |
