1981 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Leone. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 970 kg more than 1981 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 520 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Leone, 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Leone. (100 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Leone. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1981 Subaru Leone has manual transmission. 1981 Subaru Leone will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Subaru Leone | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Subaru | BMW |
| Model | Leone | 520 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2968 mm |
