1981 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Honda Accord
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord is newer by 31 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord weights approximately 224 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, 2012 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, 2012 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2012 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 2012 Honda Accord | |
Make | BMW | Honda |
Model | 520 | Accord |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 219 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1444 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4851 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1849 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1433 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2741 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |