1972 BMW 520 vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1958 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P5 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1972 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, 1958 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1958 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1958 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1958 Rover P5 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 520 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
