2003 BMW 320 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 320 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 320 | 528 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2788 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 181 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |