2004 BMW 320 vs. 1981 BMW 628
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 BMW 628.
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, 2004 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 628. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 628.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1981 BMW 628 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 628 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| 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 | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
