1978 BMW 520 vs. 2007 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2007 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 29 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saab 05-Sep (297 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2007 Saab 05-Sep.
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, 2007 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 2007 Saab 05-Sep (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2007 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2007 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 520 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 260 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
