1988 BMW 525 vs. 1989 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1989 Ford Sierra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 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 94 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. 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 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1989 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
