1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 28 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 (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2006 BMW 320.
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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320. 2006 BMW 320 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. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 320 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1520 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |