1981 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Lancia Kappa
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa is newer by 17 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 2,451 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 220 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1998 Lancia Kappa | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 520 | Kappa |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
