2008 BMW 525 vs. 2012 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2012 BMW 1 Series is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 1 Series (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2012 BMW 1 Series.
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, 2012 BMW 1 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2012 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
