1996 BMW 525 vs. 1970 Saab 99
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab 99 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1970 Saab 99. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1970 Saab 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab 99, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab 99. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1970 Saab 99 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 525 | 99 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
