1978 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2011 Fiat Croma is newer by 33 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Croma. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2011 Fiat Croma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Fiat Croma, 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, both vehicles can yield 280 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2011 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 520 | Croma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
