1996 BMW 530 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 is newer by 19 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 BMW 530.
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, both vehicles can yield 280 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
