1978 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Mazda Washu
To start off, 2003 Mazda Washu is newer by 25 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Washu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Washu (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Washu should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 254 kg more than 2003 Mazda Washu.
Because 1978 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Washu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Mazda Washu (283 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Washu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2003 Mazda Washu 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. 2003 Mazda Washu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2003 Mazda Washu | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | Washu |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
