1977 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Acura RL
To start off, 1998 Acura RL is newer by 21 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura RL weights approximately 110 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.
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, 1998 Acura RL, 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, 1998 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 1998 Acura RL 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. 1998 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1998 Acura RL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 520 | RL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
