1977 BMW 520 vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | BMW | MG |
| Model | 520 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 16 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
