1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 34 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (318 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 155 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, 2012 BMW 640 (450 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 BMW 640 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 520 | 640 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 318 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5007 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1894 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1392 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |