1977 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (330 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1306 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
