1996 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 317 kg more than 1996 BMW 525.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | G |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
