2009 BMW 135 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 305 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 135 (401 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 135 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
