1977 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 3 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 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 40 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1980 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
