1977 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mazda 6
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 6 (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 6 weights approximately 60 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, 2009 Mazda 6, 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, 2009 Mazda 6 (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2009 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
