1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 303 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 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2012 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Lexus LS | |
Make | BMW | Lexus |
Model | 520 | LS |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 380 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 497 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1973 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1875 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1476 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2969 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 84 L |