1981 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Porsche 911
To start off, 2006 Porsche 911 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 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche 911 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Porsche 911 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (560 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2006 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 305 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
