1984 BMW 318 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1977 BMW 520 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
