1972 BMW 520 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, both 1972 BMW 520 and 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass were released in the same year (1972). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 165 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 520 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2960 mm |
