1978 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Venture
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Venture is newer by 26 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 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Venture is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Venture (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Venture should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Venture, 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, 2004 Chevrolet Venture (286 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm). This means 2004 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2004 Chevrolet Venture | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Venture |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
