2009 BMW 525 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2009 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 233 kg more than 2009 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 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 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
