1978 BMW 520 vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Celica. (78 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 700 kg more than 1977 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Celica. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
