1972 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
