1977 BMW 520 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 245 kg more 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, 2006 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
