1981 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 520 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
