2009 BMW 125 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 134 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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, 2009 BMW 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
