2008 BMW 316 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 31 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 BMW 316. 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.2 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
