1988 BMW 525 vs. 1975 Saab 99
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Saab 99 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1975 Saab 99. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1975 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1975 Saab 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Saab 99, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Saab 99. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1975 Saab 99 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 525 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
