1972 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 14 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 440 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
