1972 BMW 3 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 29 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 296 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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 3 | 520 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1670 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2840 mm |