1978 BMW 520 vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 35 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 304 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 380 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 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
