1981 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2010 Porsche Cayman is newer by 29 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 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 110 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, 2010 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2010 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
