1981 BMW 528 vs. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 22 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 61 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 113 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 528 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |
