2005 BMW 320 vs. 1981 BMW 725
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 725.
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 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 1981 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2810 mm |
