2007 BMW 116 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2007 BMW 116 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2007 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2007 BMW 116. 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 116 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
