1978 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Renault 25
To start off, 1988 Renault 25 is newer by 10 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 25 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1988 Renault 25. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 25. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1988 Renault 25. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Renault 25, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 25. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 25.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1988 Renault 25 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 520 | 25 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
