1978 BMW 628 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 628 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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, 1978 BMW 628 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 628 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 628 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
