1978 BMW 520 vs. 1999 BMW 323
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 21 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 213 kg more than 1999 BMW 323.
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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 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. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1999 BMW 323 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
