1972 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 40.
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) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1971 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 520 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72.9 mm |
| 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 | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 125 L |
