1978 BMW 520 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 31 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), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
