1990 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 19 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 10 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
