1972 BMW 3 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 39 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 19 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 3 | 520 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2968 mm |