1972 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 790 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, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3100 mm |
