1981 BMW 520 vs. 2006 BMW M6
To start off, 2006 BMW M6 is newer by 25 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 4,997 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520.
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, 2006 BMW M6 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2006 BMW M6 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
