1972 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 9 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
