1996 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Subaru Coupe
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru Coupe would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Subaru Coupe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 530 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 1996 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru Coupe, 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru Coupe. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 1981 Subaru Coupe | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 530 | Coupe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
