1978 BMW 520 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 12 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 518 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1160 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |