1981 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 32 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 411 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10:01 |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1631 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4636 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2031 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1434 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |