1990 BMW 525 vs. 1998 BMW 317
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1998 BMW 317 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
