1978 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2013 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Jaguar XJ (503 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 210 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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ (625 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2013 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 520 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2105 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 16.9 L/100km |
