1972 BMW 520 vs. 1983 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1983 Toyota Corolla 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1983 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (118 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1983 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 520 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
