2000 BMW 323 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2000 BMW 323 is newer by 22 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 2,499 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 323 (326 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2000 BMW 323.
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) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 323. (245 Nm). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 323. 2000 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 323 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
