1978 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2006 Subaru Outback 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Outback (250 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 121 kg more than 2006 Subaru Outback.
Because 2006 Subaru Outback 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, 2006 Subaru Outback 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, 2006 Subaru Outback (339 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2006 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Outback |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
