1978 BMW 520 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 30 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 326 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 120 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1344 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4230 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1440 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |