2003 BMW 520 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 638 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | 411 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
