2005 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 911 (355 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 491 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 520 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
