2009 BMW 525 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
