2007 BMW 650 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 BMW 650 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 4,797 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 650 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 2007 BMW 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 650 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 650 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4797 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
