2004 BMW 118 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 27 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 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. 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, 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:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
