1981 BMW 520 vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 95 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| 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 | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2600 mm |
