1970 AMC Gremlin vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AMC Gremlin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AMC Gremlin would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 AMC Gremlin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1970 AMC Gremlin. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 503 kg more than 1970 AMC Gremlin. 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 AMC Gremlin. (251 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 AMC Gremlin.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AMC Gremlin | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | AMC | BMW |
| Model | Gremlin | 520 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1167 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
