1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (76 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Fiesta | 525 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2968 mm |
