1981 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 5,328 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche (295 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 142 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche.
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 Chevrolet Avalanche (455 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
