1981 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 128
To start off, 2009 BMW 128 is newer by 28 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 128 weights approximately 310 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, 2009 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 128 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 128 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
