1981 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2012 Mazda BT-50 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 2,604 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 123 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2012 Mazda BT-50.
Because 2012 Mazda BT-50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda BT-50 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, 2012 Mazda BT-50 (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2012 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
