2004 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 BMW 525.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (193 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G 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 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | G |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
