1978 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 49 kg more than 2012 Mazda 6.
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 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2012 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | 6 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 272 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 364 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1621 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4755 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1795 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2789 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |