1972 BMW 520 vs. 1977 BMW 530
To start off, 1977 BMW 530 is newer by 5 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 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 530 (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1977 BMW 530.
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, 1977 BMW 530 (256 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1977 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| 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 | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
