2009 BMW 118 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 32 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 134 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW 118.
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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
