1981 BMW 520 vs. 1991 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1991 Nissan Vanette is newer by 10 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 37 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Vanette. (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Vanette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1991 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2080 mm |
