1981 BMW 520 vs. 2005 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 24 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, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2005 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 520 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
