1978 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Vauxhall Frontera
To start off, 1999 Vauxhall Frontera 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 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Vauxhall Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Vauxhall Frontera. (115 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Vauxhall Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Vauxhall Frontera weights approximately 150 kg more than 1978 BMW 520.
Because 1999 Vauxhall Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Vauxhall Frontera will offer significantly more control. 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Vauxhall Frontera. (260 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Vauxhall Frontera. 1999 Vauxhall Frontera 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 Vauxhall Frontera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1999 Vauxhall Frontera | |
| Make | BMW | Vauxhall |
| Model | 520 | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
