1981 BMW 528 vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra is newer by 31 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (312 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1981 BMW 528. (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 594 kg more than 1981 BMW 528. 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, 2012 GMC Sierra (506 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 2012 GMC Sierra has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 GMC Sierra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 528 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 312 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 506 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 6580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 129 L |
