2007 BMW M5 vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW M5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2007 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M5 weights approximately 267 kg more than 1996 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 M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2007 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M5 | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4998 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
