1998 BMW 325 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. 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, 1998 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
