1972 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Honda Life
To start off, 1972 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life 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 121 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. 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, 1971 Honda Life, 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1971 Honda Life | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Life |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
