2001 BMW 318 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 24 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2001 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 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 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 | 1440 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
