1987 BMW 318 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 314 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW 318 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 525 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2495 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 215 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 71.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1280 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |