1981 BMW 520 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 775 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.
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 Volkswagen Phaeton (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
