2008 BMW 120 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 27 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 20 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 44 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 120 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 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 | 161 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 212 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 | 1344 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
