2000 BMW 325 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2000 BMW 325 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2000 BMW 325.
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, 2000 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 325 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
