2004 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. 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 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
