1998 Ford Probe vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Ford Probe. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1998 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, 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, 2009 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Probe. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Probe | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Probe | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
