1977 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (220 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520.
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, 1979 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 220 HP |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
