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 120 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 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 243 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 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 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 | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
