1975 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 38 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 330 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1975 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
