2009 BMW 525 vs. 1986 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1986 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
