1992 BMW 545 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1992 BMW 545 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 545 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1981 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, 1992 BMW 545 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 545 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
