1977 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 135
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 32 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 10 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 135 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
