2009 Acura RDX vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Acura RDX is newer by 31 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Acura RDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2009 Acura RDX.
Because 2009 Acura RDX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RDX will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Acura RDX (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2009 Acura RDX has automatic transmission and 1978 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1978 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RDX | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RDX | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
