1981 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Morgan Aero 8
To start off, 2002 Morgan Aero 8 is newer by 21 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Morgan Aero 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Morgan Aero 8 (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Morgan Aero 8 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2002 Morgan Aero 8.
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, 2002 Morgan Aero 8 (438 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Morgan Aero 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2002 Morgan Aero 8 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 520 | Aero 8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 438 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.7 mm |
| 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 | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2530 mm |
