1988 BMW 525 vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 7 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW 317 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 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
