1996 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1299 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2006 Ford Explorer, 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2006 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2006 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 2862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
