1981 BMW 520 vs. 1995 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1995 Buick LeSabre is newer by 14 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick LeSabre (169 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 330 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.
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, 1995 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1995 Buick LeSabre (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 1995 Buick LeSabre 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. 1995 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1995 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
