2004 BMW 525 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 23 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, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 525 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 525 | 528 |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 189 HP | 181 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 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 | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |