2009 BMW 130 vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 BMW 130.
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 130 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 130 | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 130 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
