1996 BMW 520 vs. 1978 ZIL 4104
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 4104 (311 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 1840 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. 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, 1978 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520. 1978 ZIL 4104 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1978 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | BMW | ZIL |
| Model | 520 | 4104 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 7695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 3336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3340 mm |
