1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 24 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 (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 37 kg more than 2012 Mazda 5. 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, 2012 Mazda 5, 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 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
