1981 BMW 528 vs. 2004 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2004 Toyota MR2 is newer by 23 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 39 more horse power than 2004 Toyota MR2. (142 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2004 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 528 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
