1977 BMW 732 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 732 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1977 BMW 732.
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, 1977 BMW 732 (290 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 732 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 732 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
