1988 BMW 525 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 30 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.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
