2009 BMW 650 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2009 BMW 650.
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, 2009 BMW 650 (491 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520. 2009 BMW 650 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 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 650 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 650 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1951 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 491 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |