2004 BMW 520 vs. 1983 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1983 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 1983 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
