1968 BMW 2002 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 2002. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 2002 would be higher. Both 1968 BMW 2002 and 1981 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,991 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1968 BMW 2002 (130 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 BMW 2002 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1968 BMW 2002.
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, 1968 BMW 2002 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 BMW 2002 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 2002 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 2002 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 70 L |
