1981 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1989 Peugeot 405 is newer by 8 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1989 Peugeot 405. (64 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Peugeot 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 1989 Peugeot 405 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 405 will offer significantly more control. 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Peugeot 405. (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Peugeot 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1989 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 520 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
