1972 BMW 520 vs. 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible 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) has 101 more horse power than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 569 kg more than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible. (87 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1957 Wartburg Sports Convertible | |
| Make | BMW | Wartburg |
| Model | 520 | Sports Convertible |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
