2001 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 480 kg more than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 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:
| 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Cavalier | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 70 L |
