1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (181 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva weights approximately 108 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.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 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 Chevrolet Captiva will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Chevrolet Captiva | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Captiva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 16.3 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4673 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1756 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2707 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
