2009 BMW 125 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 28 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 106 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, 2009 BMW 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
