1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 602 kg more than 1979 Datsun 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun Laurel has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Datsun | BMW |
| Model | Laurel | 520 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
