2009 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fiesta 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 171 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 727 kg more than 1988 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 525 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2300 mm |
