1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 45 kg more than 2012 BMW 520.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1970 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1970 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Impala | 520 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2968 mm |
