1972 BMW 520 vs. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 120 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (393 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2600 mm |
