1981 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Peugeot 306
To start off, 1998 Peugeot 306 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Peugeot 306 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Peugeot 306 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 306 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1998 Peugeot 306.
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 Peugeot 306, 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 Peugeot 306 (197 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Peugeot 306 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1998 Peugeot 306 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 520 | 306 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
