1981 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 26 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 505 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.
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, 2007 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
