2008 BMW 525 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 30 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 BMW 525.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 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 | 1475 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
