1972 BMW 520 vs. 1957 Opel Record
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Opel Record. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Opel Record 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 106 more horse power than 1957 Opel Record. (44 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1957 Opel Record. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1957 Opel Record. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Opel Record. (98 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Opel Record.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1957 Opel Record | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 520 | Record |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
