1978 BMW 520 vs. 1994 BMW 316
To start off, 1994 BMW 316 is newer by 16 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 32 more horse power than 1994 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1994 BMW 316. 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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1994 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 189 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 12.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
