2009 BMW 730 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 730 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 730 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 730 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1988 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, 2009 BMW 730 (301 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 730 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 11.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
