2009 BMW 125 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 344 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 2009 BMW 125. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 125.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
