1978 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Because 1978 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 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 520 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
