1972 BMW 520 vs. 1973 AC 428
To start off, 1973 AC 428 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 200 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1973 AC 428 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. 1973 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1973 AC 428 | |
| Make | BMW | AC |
| Model | 520 | 428 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 7002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
