2009 BMW 120 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 28 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 13 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 225 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 120 | 528 |
Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 168 HP | 181 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |