1977 BMW 520 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 15 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 411 kg more than 1977 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 1992 BMW 540 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. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 BMW 520 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 540 |
Year Released | 1977 | 1992 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 282 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1721 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |