1988 BMW 525 vs. 1979 Subaru DL
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru DL would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1979 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1979 Subaru DL. 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, 1979 Subaru DL, 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 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru DL. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru DL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1979 Subaru DL | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 525 | DL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
