1972 BMW 520 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 587 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
Make | BMW | Porsche |
Model | 520 | 356 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 66 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 858 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 52 L |