1981 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Toyota Corolla is newer by 23 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Corolla (130 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2004 Toyota Corolla.
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, 2004 Toyota Corolla, 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2004 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
