2009 BMW 120 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
