1972 BMW 3 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 272 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
