2007 BMW 120 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
