2001 BMW 316 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 2001 BMW 316 is newer by 20 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, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 316 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 316 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
