1977 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 35 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 167 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
