1970 Saab Sonett III vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab Sonett III, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1970 Saab Sonett III has manual transmission. 1970 Saab Sonett III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Saab Sonett III | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Saab | BMW |
| Model | Sonett III | 520 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
