1953 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Aston Martin DB4 (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Aston Martin DB4 weights approximately 37 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1953 Aston Martin DB4 (195 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1953 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Aston Martin DB4 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 70 L |
