1975 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1975 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 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
