1980 BMW 725 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1980 BMW 725 is newer by 2 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1978 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 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 725 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2770 mm |
