1981 BMW 520 vs. 1952 Ferrari 212
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 2,561 cc (12 cylinders), 1952 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Ferrari 212 (163 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1952 Ferrari 212 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1952 Ferrari 212.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1952 Ferrari 212 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 212 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2561 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 159 L |
