2003 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Honda Accord
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1978 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1978 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1978 Honda Accord | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Accord |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
