1981 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 22 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), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 370 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | BMW | Hyundai |
| Model | 520 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
