2005 BMW 545 vs. 1981 BMW 725
To start off, 2005 BMW 545 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 545 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, 2005 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 545 | 1981 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
