1981 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Accord (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Accord weights approximately 312 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 1981 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2009 Honda Accord | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
