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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 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 255 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 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
