1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Ford | BMW |
Model | Mustang | 520 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2968 mm |