1978 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2009 Ford Falcon 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Falcon weights approximately 34 kg more than 1978 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2009 Ford Falcon 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. 2009 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2009 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
