1981 BMW 520 vs. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 Chevrolet Cavalier (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
