1972 BMW 520 vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 2 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
