1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo Dardo | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Dardo | 525 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
