1978 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 439 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
