1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Lexus IS
To start off, 2006 Lexus IS 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lexus IS (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2006 Lexus IS.
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, 2006 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2006 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2006 Lexus IS | |
Make | BMW | Lexus |
Model | 520 | IS |
Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 288 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |