1977 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Opel Astra
To start off, 2012 Opel Astra 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 172 kg more than 2012 Opel Astra.
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 Opel Astra, 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, 2012 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2012 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
