2009 BMW 125 vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2009 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 464 kg more than 2009 BMW 125. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125. 1990 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 125 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 125 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 52 L |
