1972 BMW 520 vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 1983 Porsche 959 is newer by 11 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 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 5 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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2280 mm |
