1990 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 BMW 525. 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 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
