1993 BMW M5 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1993 BMW M5 is newer by 12 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 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW M5 (336 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW M5 weights approximately 445 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, 1993 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW M5 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 336 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
