1996 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 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 10 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1981 Renault 5. 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, 1996 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 51 L |
