2009 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Toyota Century
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 420 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
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, 1981 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 1981 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1981 Toyota Century | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 525 | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2870 mm |
