1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 171 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | BMW | McLaren |
| Model | 525 | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
