1978 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1999 Panoz AIV.
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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | BMW | Panoz |
| Model | 520 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
