1988 BMW 525 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 25 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.2 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
