1981 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Renault 19. (79 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 19. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1988 Renault 19. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 19. (107 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 19. 1988 Renault 19 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Renault 19 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | 19 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
