1988 BMW 525 vs. 1999 GMC Safari
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 11 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 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 380 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1999 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1999 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 525 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
