2007 BMW 116 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 BMW 116 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2007 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 116 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 BMW 520.
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 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 116 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
