1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2012 Ford Mondeo 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mondeo (223 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 131 kg more than 2012 Ford Mondeo.
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, 2012 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2012 Ford Mondeo (281 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 7.8 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 | 1539 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
