1972 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is newer by 7 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 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 150 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | BMW | Talbot |
| Model | 520 | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
