2009 BMW 320 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2009 BMW 320.
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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 141 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
