1981 BMW 520 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 455 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, 1954 Buick 40 (309 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 309 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3110 mm |
