1972 BMW 520 vs. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 772 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | |
| Make | BMW | Fairthorpe |
| Model | 520 | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 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 | 1445 kg | 673 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
