1981 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Porsche 911
To start off, 2011 Porsche 911 is newer by 30 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Porsche 911 weights approximately 425 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 2011 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Porsche 911 (650 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Porsche 911 | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | 520 | 911 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 500 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 650 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1645 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4478 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1852 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2350 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |