1997 BMW 850 vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1335 kg more than 1981 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 850 | Alto |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2160 mm |
