1981 BMW 520 vs. 1993 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 12 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette (301 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 293 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, 1993 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 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 | 1993 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1513 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
