1981 BMW 528 vs. 2001 Saturn L
To start off, 2001 Saturn L is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2001 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Saturn L weights approximately 35 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Saturn L, 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2001 Saturn L | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 528 | L |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
