1988 BMW 525 vs. 1977 Datsun 280
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 Datsun 280. (125 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1977 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1977 Datsun 280. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Datsun 280. (197 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Datsun 280. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1977 Datsun 280 has manual transmission. 1977 Datsun 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1977 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 525 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
